Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 209 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

November 18, 2013March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

While I’d like to tell you all I spent the weekend off on an exciting adventure – the truth is I spent most of it working. Between a day at the office on Saturday and freelance design work (plus my usual household chores and errands) there weren’t many hours left. But sometimes, that’s what being an adult is. And these days I’m in a place where I’m okay with that and simply choose to look for the silver lining. Like the fact that Southern California cooled to the 60’s all weekend and I broke out jackets. And the fact that on Satuday night the boy built me a fire and came home with Ben & Jerry’s. And then there’s you, sweet readers, and all the exciting things that are in store over the coming weeks. It’s almost enough to make me not dread Monday. Almost.

November 15, 2013March 7, 2015

business casual

There are few items in my closet that can pull together a look the way this blazer can. Even in my oldest ripped up, accidentally paint splattered (note to self: always paint in clothes you don’t plan on wearing in public every again) jeans, a t-shirt I wear all too often, and my usual messy hair – I felt presentable enough to stroll around Century City once I had thrown on this blazer. I don’t wear it often, but like a little black dress, it’s indispensable in having on hand when the occasion calls for it. Another way to dress up your otherwise slightly rumpled look? A pair of heels this slick. Perfect for that whole work to weekend transition today. Happy Friday! Rogan Blazer – similar here // F21 Striped T-Shirt // Gap Jeans // Ruche Bag – still available in navy // Sole Society Heels c/o

November 14, 2013March 7, 2015

spotted: girlish pink

Maybe it started with this jacket, or maybe it’s the simple fact that amongst a sea of red plaid (which don’t get me wrong, I still love) whisper pink just feels new and unexpected – but my ideal outfit right now looks a bit like the above. Filled with cozy textures, slightly oversized shapes, pastel pink and crisp winter whites, and sparkly accents. I think the trick here is to ground the whole thing with sleek black accessories (I’ve been dying to try the whole ankle boots and thin trouser sock look so this is a perfect excuse). What do you think? Modern style maven or a tad too Baby Spice? Ban.Do Bobby Pins // Topshop Coat via Nordstrom // Kate Spade Saturday Clutch // Ruche Skirt // Target Socks // Jessica Simpson Boots via Piperlime // image via

November 13, 2013March 7, 2015

country strong

I’m going to go ahead and confess something to you. In an alternate life, I would have loved to have been a country music star. Like picture Loretta Lynn meets the wardrobe of Rachel Bilson on the (embarrassingly addictive) show Hart of Dixie. Blame it on the fact that I spent a good deal of time growing up with my Southern grandparents who listened to old country tunes on AM radio but I just seem to have a deeply instilled love for short swingy skirts, gingham and cowboy boots (these ones a score from a thrift store back in New York – most likely because no one else there wanted dusty old cowboy boots the way I did). And even though these days I’m singing along to country songs down the busy freeways of Los Angeles – the look remains. You can take the girl out of the country…J.Crew Factory Gingham Shirt // Urban Outfitters Dress // H&M Scarf – similar here // Thrifted Cowboy Boots // Bag via TJ Maxx

November 12, 2013March 7, 2015

on the bright side

If you’ve been following along this Fall, you already know that the temperatures in California have thrown me for a bit of a sartorial loop (it’s going to be a high of nearly 85 degrees by Wednesday). At this point on the East Coast I’d be bundled up in my trusty camel coat, black hat & scarf, and dark leather boots. But here in sunny Los Angeles this past weekend I finally just decided to look on the bright side and threw on my brightest cobalt (lightweight) sweater and a colorful floral silk skirt. Then balanced the whole look with a neutral grey bag and shoes. Speaking of bags? This perfectly structured satchel is from the magic makers over at Sole Society and is the new shining star of my handbag family. I usually carry vintage bags (as evidenced here and here) so when I choose to go new, I’m pretty discerning. Versatile, structured and not too large – this one passed all my tests. Here’s to keeping an open mind.

Forever 21 Sweater – similar here // Madewell Skirt // J.Crew Factory Belt // Sole Society Lisette Bag c/0 // Dolce Vita Oxfords via TJ Maxx – similar here

(linking up with Walking in Memphis in High Heels here)